‘Moonshiners’ Star Josh Owens Faces Setbacks from Injuries, Remains Resilient

Josh Owens, a beloved cast member of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, is no stranger to the dangers of his illicit trade, crafting high-quality rye whiskey deep in the Appalachian woods. However, his history of injuries—ranging from a gruesome finger loss to a life-threatening motorcycle crash—has repeatedly tested his resilience, both on and off the show. Despite these setbacks, Owens’ determination to continue moonshining and racing, coupled with his laid-back attitude toward legal risks, keeps him a fan favorite on the long-running docudrama series.

A Painful Past: The 2016 Finger Injury

In 2016, Owens suffered a severe injury that had nothing to do with his moonshining exploits. The accident, which resulted in the loss of his pointer finger, shocked fans when he shared graphic images on social media. “Could use ya prayers, looks like I lost my pointer finger… will know in a few days,” he wrote, sparking concern among his followers. While Owens remained tight-lipped about the specifics, a friend, Chad Bowes, revealed on Facebook that the injury occurred when a grinding wheel exploded, mangling his digit beyond repair. The incident was a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers Owens faces, even outside the risky world of illegal distilling.

The loss of his finger didn’t deter Owens from his craft. Known for going to extreme lengths to perfect his moonshine, he continued to appear on Moonshiners, where his resourcefulness and daring have made him a standout. His ability to shrug off setbacks, coupled with his loyal companion, a dog named Cutie Pie, endeared him to fans who admire his grit and determination.

A Near-Fatal Motorcycle Crash in 2018

Owens’ resilience was tested again in March 2018, when he suffered catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. The Moonshiners star, then 40, was preparing for an exhibition race on a vintage 1919 Harley-Davidson when the front tire exploded, causing him to slam into a wall at nearly 100 mph. The crash left him with a litany of injuries: a broken nose, multiple fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken collarbone, a shattered shoulder blade, and the loss of the remaining portion of his already-amputated finger. A Facebook update reassured fans, stating, “Josh was in a wreck, but is OK… not in immediate danger now. Will post more info when it becomes available. Please respect his privacy at this time and let him recover in peace.”

The accident took a significant physical and emotional toll. In an interview with the Charlotte Observer, Owens revealed the excruciating pain he endured, saying, “I can’t lean my head back without passing out.” Compounding the ordeal, he claimed he was denied adequate medical care due to a lack of health insurance. “I was denied care because of health insurance,” he told the outlet, highlighting the financial and logistical challenges he faced during recovery. Despite the severity of his injuries, Owens remained optimistic, vowing to return to both Moonshiners and motorcycle racing as soon as possible.

A subsequent Facebook post thanked fans and the biker community for their support, noting, “As soon as he can put his leg over a bike he is back at it. He is back shining as well, recovering at the beach.” True to his word, Owens resumed his role on Moonshiners, blending his passion for moonshining with his love for motorcycles in a memorable Season 11 episode. He devised a plan to build a hidden mobile still at a biker rally, allowing him to produce and sell moonshine on the spot—a bold move that showcased his ingenuity and risk-taking spirit.

A Defiant Attitude Toward Risk

Owens’ approach to his illegal trade is as fearless as his recovery from injuries. In an interview with Motorcycle USA, he downplayed the risk of legal repercussions for his moonshining activities, saying, “I’m not in jail because it’s not evidence, for one, that I’m on TV making moonshine. And for two, I could be doing anything, it could be just water… [The cops] got a lot bigger fish to fry than somebody just making a little bit of something to sip on when alcohol’s in every store and every bar in the countryside.”

This cavalier attitude has defined Owens’ tenure on Moonshiners, where he’s known for taking risks that others might avoid. From choosing precarious locations for his stills to accidentally setting his house on fire during Season 11 while attempting to make moonshine from maple sap, Owens’ knack for finding trouble is part of his charm. Yet, his ability to bounce back—whether from physical injuries or professional mishaps—has solidified his status as a fan favorite.

A Resilient Spirit

Owens’ journey reflects the broader themes of Moonshiners: the relentless pursuit of craft in the face of danger, legal scrutiny, and personal hardship. Born on August 28, 1977, in Columbus, North Carolina, Owens joined the Moonshiners cast in 2012 at age 35, bringing with him a background as a professional motocross racer and a passion for moonshining instilled by his mentor, Barney Barnwell. His resilience was evident even before the 2018 crash, as he had previously recovered from a 2016 accident that left him with a torn rotator cuff, broken collarbone, and fractured ribs after another motorcycle tire blowout.

As Moonshiners continues into its 14th season, which premiered on November 12, 2024, Owens remains a central figure, undeterred by his injury-prone past. His ability to return to the show, often with his trademark humor and defiance, resonates with viewers who admire his tenacity. The 2018 accident, while severe, was just one chapter in a career marked by close calls and comebacks. With Cutie Pie by his side and the support of his fans, Owens continues to push the boundaries of moonshining and racing, proving that no setback—whether a lost finger or a near-fatal crash—can keep him down for long.

The Moonshiners community, both on-screen and off, has rallied around Owens during his recoveries, with fundraisers and messages of support pouring in after his accidents. As he navigates the challenges of his dual passions, Owens’ story is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who live life on their own terms, no matter the cost. Fans can catch him on Moonshiners, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery Channel, with episodes available for streaming on Max, where his latest adventures in the Appalachian backwoods continue to captivate audiences.